Labor Day – Monday, September 2, 2019
The Labor Day holiday weekend signals the conclusion of the summer season–but on the scenic coastline of South Walton, our summer goes on and on! We are blessed with mild sea breezes, sun-kissed sand dunes, and warm, crystal-clear gulf water all throughout autumn. South Walton is the perfect place to start your family’s annual Labor Day beach tradition. Gather your whole family together for an end-of-summer beach vacation on the sugary sand beaches of Scenic Highway 30A—and don’t forget to take that memorable family snapshot–we hope you’ll too share it with us!
Spend your 30A Labor Day weekend afternoons soaking up the sun, swimming in sparkling turquoise water, or kayaking a serene coastal dune lake. Then spend the balmy evenings exploring scenic seaside villages, enjoying live music, browsing local artwork, indulging in delicious dining options, and taking in some of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll ever see.
We’ve put together perfect long-weekend Labor Day ideas for you and your family to enjoy a relaxing South Walton beach vacation. It’s the ideal way for your whole crew to savor late summer together, year after year.
Things to do, activities, and labor day events
Friday 8/30/19
Grab your beach chairs and sunscreen and spend a leisurely, sun-filled day at Blue Mountain Beach. With its beautiful hilltop views, your whole family will love spending the day at this classic 30A beach.
You won’t find any mountains on Blue Mountain Beach. But you will find majestic wind-swept dunes, weathered wooden boardwalks and stairs, and swaying sea oats. Bring some snorkel gear too— many Blue Mountain beach-goers have reported seeing dolphins and sea turtles! The gentle waves and snow-white sand are perfect for swimming and boogie boarding. Or start a new annual family tradition on the shores of Blue Mountain Beach: a high-stakes sandcastle building contest. The winner gets an ice cream!
After the beach, rinse off and head over to Red Fish Taco for Friday night dinner. The whole family will love the friendly, festive atmosphere and delicious food. Try the house specialties like Grilled Gulf Shrimp with roasted corn or the Strip Steak with garlic butter and a potato “haystack.” Their crispy street tacos filled with traditional beef or chipotle chicken are sure to please even the picky eaters in your group!
After dinner, stroll over to the Blue Mountain Beach Creamery for a delicious sweet treat. No trip to South Walton is complete without a few scoops of their fresh-made ice cream, savored on the porch of this local favorite spot.
Rent any of our gorgeous homes in Blue Mountain Beach for a fun-filled Labor Day beach getaway.
Saturday 8/31/19
Spend a sun-soaked Saturday afternoon at beautiful Topsail Hill State Park. The whole family can rent stand-up paddleboards or kayaks for a paddle through pristine Campbell Lake. Campbell Lake is a rare coastal dune lake within the park and is surrounded by maritime forest. It’s also home to freshwater fish and wildlife. Paddling on Campbell Lake is a nice change of pace from your typical beach day. And with miles of secluded hiking trails and sparkling shoreline, a day spent at Topsail Hill State Park has something for everyone in your family to enjoy.
Topsail Hill also has a general store, a shower station, picnic areas, and a convenient trolley to help you get around. Take note—this is also the last weekend of the summer to take advantage of FREE admission to the park!
Saturday evening, head over to the picturesque beachfront village of Seaside. Their town-square amphitheater is a great spot for a family concert on the lawn. Bring your beach chairs, blankets, and a picnic. Your whole family can dance barefoot in the grass to the live rock ‘n roll tunes of The Vegabonds at 7 PM.
If a concert in the park isn’t your thing, make your way to the Baytowne Artwalk. Stroll through the village streets and browse artwork from local artists, check out the boutiques, grab a bite to eat, and listen to live music.
Sunday 9/1/19
Spend Sunday Funday on Dune Allen Beach. Located on the quieter, western edge of Scenic Highway 30A, Dune Allen Beach is the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. With many gorgeous Dune Allen Beach houses to choose from, your family is sure to make this spot an annual Labor Day tradition. Dune Allen Beach is also home to not one, but three rare coastal dune lakes—Allen Lake, Stallworth Lake, and Oyster Lake. Dune Allen is sure to please the lazy beach lovers, the skilled sandcastle builders, and the curious nature lovers in your family.
Spend Sunday evening strolling through the HarborWalk Village Labor Day Celebration in Destin Harbor. The HarborWalk has tons of restaurants and shopping opportunities. And all weekend they’ll have live music from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM and a festive atmosphere for the Labor Day holiday. Spend the evening browsing the shops and dining. Stick around for the amazing fireworks display over the harbor waters at 9 PM!
Monday 9/2/19
Wind down your memorable Labor Day weekend in South Walton with a yummy family brunch. The Summer Kitchen Cafe in Rosemary Beach started out as a “humble, little red shack” that has grown into one of the most beloved breakfast spots on Scenic Highway 30A. Indulge in the Cinnamon Orange French Toast or a Whole Hog Omelette— with bacon, sausage, and ham. Kids will love the fluffy pancakes, cinnamon buns, housemade granola, and blueberry smoothies.
In Grayton Beach, stop by the Black Bear Bread Co. for an Acai Bowl or a Banana Tartine. Or grab a quick cuppa at the aptly named Bad Ass Coffee.
Begin a New Labor Day Tradition in South Walton
With so many exciting things to do over the Labor Day holiday, South Walton is sure to become your family’s end-of-summer tradition. The beaches of Scenic Highway 30A are a magical place to make sandy-toed memories that you’ll cherish forever. It’s a place to return again and again to recharge and reconnect as a family.
Find Places to Stay for Labor Day Weekend
Let us help you plan your Labor Day trip to South Walton today. We have 30A beach vacation rental homes to accommodate any size group of friends and family. Give us a call at 888.267.2121 to learn about our last-minute, late-summer vacation rental specials or drop us a line. One of our knowledgeable, local staff will help you choose the perfect vacation rental home to start your South Walton Labor Day beach vacation tradition.